Repeat Performance?

I think we can do well there – some of the players within that dressing room are the best I have played with"

Richard Stearman

Richard Stearman says the Molineux Mean Machine is keen to keep standards high again next season – with any new signing a welcome addition to the competition for places.

Wolves kept a club record and joint third tier record of 25 clean sheets last season, as some sturdy foundations paved their way for the squad’s attacking element to fire the team to win Sky Bet League One in plenty of style.

As ever at this time of year there is speculation of potential new defensive recruits as Kenny Jackett aims to strengthen the ranks, which Stearman says can only be a good thing.

“It was always the aim as a team and a back five to be solid and we were delighted to go and get the clean sheet record,” he says of last season.

“We were so proud of what we achieved but we have got to look ahead now.

“Maybe one or two additions will come into the frame as well and we are all going to be fighting for the shirt and hopefully do something similar to what we did last season.

“It seems to happen every season that we bring players in and not just in defence but in every position.

“It is up to us to continue to fight and perform in such a way that you make the shirt your own.”

Stearman, whose future at Wolves is now secured until at least 2016 after signing a new contract, is well aware that the challenge to keep clean sheets will be much tougher amid the rough and tumble and increased quality of the Sky Bet Championship.

But he is confident Wolves have it within their potential to make an impact in the division if they perform to their capabilities.

“The Championship is obviously a step up in standard from where we were last season,” he says.

“I’ve played the majority of my career in this division so it is nothing alien to me.

“I think we can do well there – some of the players within that dressing room are the best I have played with.

“We’ve brought a couple of players in and maybe with one or two more we have a chance of achieving something special again next year.

“Momentum can be very important and we are high on that at the moment and hoping to push that through next season.